News
Mali Protests Saudi Media Reports, Accuses Journalists of Sowing Disinformation
Mali Protests Saudi Media Reports, Accuses Journalists of Sowing Disinformation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Government of Mali has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over recent media reports concerning the security situation in northern Mali, particularly around the Kidal region.
The protest follows broadcasts by Saudi-based media outlets Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, which Bamako described as misleading and damaging to the image of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa).
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 17, 2026, the Malian authorities accused journalist Ibrahim Moustapha, correspondent for the two networks, of entering the country “illegally” and operating in “flagrant violation of Mali’s sovereignty.”
The government further alleged that the journalist may have had links with armed groups operating in the region, an accusation the authorities extended to the content of the reports aired by the networks, which Bamako described as “false, unfounded and aimed at undermining national institutions.”
The reports in question reportedly focused on security developments in northern Mali, including the Kidal axis, an area where state authority has faced persistent challenges from armed groups.
The diplomatic note also warned that such reporting could strain relations between Mali and Saudi Arabia, a country Bamako described as a “long-standing friend and partner.”
The development comes amid ongoing debate over press freedom and media access in Mali, where international organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about restrictions on journalists and shrinking civic space under the transitional authorities.
Observers note that Mali has in recent years tightened oversight of media operations through regulatory bodies, including suspensions of outlets and prosecutions linked to alleged dissemination of false information.
Bamako’s action has renewed discussion on the role of journalists in conflict zones, with media rights advocates maintaining that independent reporting remains a core element of international humanitarian law, provided journalists do not take part in hostilities.
Tensions reportedly escalated further after Al Arabiya broadcast footage showing Malian soldiers allegedly held captive in the north, a development the government also condemned as an infringement on national sovereignty.
While the Malian authorities maintain that media coverage must respect territorial integrity and security sensitivities, press freedom advocates argue that conflict reporting does not necessarily require prior authorisation from parties to a conflict.
The situation has raised concerns over possible diplomatic friction between Bamako and Riyadh, although no official response has yet been issued by the Saudi authorities or the media organisations involved.
Any prolonged disagreement could carry broader diplomatic and economic implications for Mali, which continues to navigate complex security and international relations challenges in the Sahel region.
Mali Protests Saudi Media Reports, Accuses Journalists of Sowing Disinformation
Troops arrest two suspects, recover suspected stolen goods in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested two suspected criminals and recovered a vehicle loaded with suspected stolen items at Berger Junction, Mista-Ali, in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspects were arrested at about 4:00 a.m. on September 18, 2026, following information about suspected criminals allegedly offloading stolen goods at the location.
The troops, acting on the report, swiftly mobilised to the area and arrested two suspects identified as Ibrahim Sulaiman, 33, and Ibrahim Husaini, 23.
The troops also recovered a Mercedes-Benz E220 vehicle allegedly loaded with suspected stolen items.
The recovered items included eight 25-litre containers of palm oil, four 4-litre containers of palm oil, two 50kg bags of rice, one 50kg bag of sugar, one carton of Maggi seasoning and an empty 25-litre jerrycan.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Keystone Mista-Ali Outpost for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
Security sources said the arrest followed sustained intelligence gathering and patrol operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities and recovering stolen property in the area.
Troops arrest two suspects, recover suspected stolen goods in Plateau
GOC 3 Division engages Bokkos stakeholders over farmer-herder conflicts
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. W.M. Dangana, has engaged district heads and other stakeholders in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State as part of efforts to address recurring farmer-herder conflicts in the area.
Maj. Gen. Dangana arrived at the headquarters of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, in Bokkos at about 1:00 p.m. on September 19, 2026, where he was received by the Sector Commander.
The GOC thereafter proceeded to the Palace of the Saf Bokkos, where he held an engagement meeting with district heads and other stakeholders from across the local government area.
The engagement formed part of ongoing non-kinetic efforts by the military and other stakeholders to address the underlying tensions between farming and herding communities and promote peaceful coexistence.
Discussions with traditional leaders and community stakeholders are expected to support the identification of local grievances, strengthen communication with security agencies and help prevent disputes from escalating into violence.
The engagement was conducted peacefully and without any incident.
GOC 3 Division engages Bokkos stakeholders over farmer-herder conflicts
Troops neutralise suspected terrorist in Kaduna, others flee with gunshot wounds
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71 Sanga, have neutralised a suspected terrorist during an offensive operation at Ungwan Nungu village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation was conducted at about 8:00 p.m. on September 18, 2026, after troops deployed at Ungwan Nungu responded to intelligence on the activities of suspected terrorists operating from a hideout in the community.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a gun battle during which one of the suspects, identified as Bashir Mohammed, was neutralised.
Other members of the group reportedly fled the scene with possible gunshot wounds sustained during the encounter.
Troops have commenced efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while operations continue in the area to prevent the criminals from regrouping and further terrorising surrounding communities.
Troops neutralise suspected terrorist in Kaduna, others flee with gunshot wounds
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Troops arrest two suspects, recover suspected stolen goods in Plateau
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